Effect of lentiviral vector-mediated overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha delivered by pluronic F-127 hydrogel on brachial plexus avulsion in rats

Brachial plexus avulsion, a severe nerve injury, often leads to motor neuron death and functional deficits. The study explores using hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) to promote nerve regeneration. A rat model with brachial plexus avulsion was created, and different treatments were applied: a control, a virus control, HIF-1α overexpression lentivirus, a hydrogel, and the hydrogel with the HIF-1α lentivirus. The study found that the HIF-1α and gel + HIF-1α groups showed better motor function recovery and nerve regeneration compared to the control group, suggesting the potential of this approach for treating nerve injuries.

• 1
  Delivery of HIF-1α overexpression lentiviral vectors, especially when mediated by pluronic F-127 hydrogel, effectively promotes spinal root regeneration after brachial plexus avulsion.
• 2
  The combination of HIF-1α and pluronic F-127 hydrogel enhances the survival of injured motor neurons and facilitates axonal regeneration post-brachial plexus avulsion.
• 3
  Co-transplantation of HIF-1α and the hydrogel leads to healthier motor endplates and neovascularization post-brachial plexus avulsion, contributing to improved motor function recovery.